POPSUGAR UK

This Resort in the Maldives Has an Overwater Observatory With Its Own Astrology Guide

18/01/2020 - 11:05 AM

Calling all stargazing-lovers! If the Anantara Kihavah [1] resort in the Maldives isn't already on your bucket list, get ready to make some room for it at the top. Located in Baa Atoll, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavahone is one of the best places on earth for stargazing. Not only that, it has a dedicated "Sky Guru" on-hand who will teach you all about the stars!

Since light pollution isn't a problem in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and due to its proximity to the equator, the region provides spectacular views of both the southern and northern sky. At Sky [2], the resort's overwater observatory (and the only one in the Maldives), your love for astrology [3] is combined with a luxury cocktail bar, so you can gaze up at the stars as you sip Champagne. Whether you want to learn about the stars or simply sit in awe of the sky's pure beauty, this is the absolute best place to do it.

Keep reading for more details about Sky that will make you want to book a flight to the Maldives [4] ASAP.

The Resort

The dreamy Anantara Kihavah [5] resort has villas on both the beach and over water with thoughtful details and a dedicated "villa host" available to guests 24/7. There are five different restaurants, all with completely different concepts. Travellers can dine at the underwater restaurant while watching the sea creatures swim by or pick a lobster from the sea and enjoy an Asian teppanyaki-style meal.

The Overwater Observatory

The Maldives' first overwater observatory is combined with Anantara Kihavah's bar called Sky. It's where guests can stargaze through the Maldives' most powerful telescope and learn about the constellations and planets with their own storytelling "Sky Guru." You lay back on a circular daybed to gaze at the stars with your cocktail of choice. Some stargazers have spotted the pale yellow rings of Saturn or the counter-rotating zones and belts of Jupiter that vary in width, colour, and intensity from year to year.

The Sky Bar

The resort's overwater rooftop Sky Bar is where guests can grab a drink or small plates like sashimi platters, marinated olives, or crispy tiger prawns. It's the perfect place to relax before or after the stargazing session at the observatory.

The "Sky Guru"

Native Maldivian Sky Guru Ali Shameem spent his childhood mapping the constellations, and the last decade observing the stars as a professional astronomer. He shares his love of astronomy with guests every night and points out what can be seen clearly by the naked eye with his green laser. "The night sky is like a map, showing us where we are placed in this vast intergalactic space," he said during my stay. "It is like a time warp, allowing us to see billions of years back in time." Shameem's personal favourite star cluster is Omega Centauri, so fingers crossed you can come across that one if you visit!


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